Paul Rusesabagina, a familiar name to those who’ve
seen Hotel Rwanda, protected 1,268
Tutsi and Hutu refugees during the Rwandan Genocide. Rusesabagina made a
defiant stand against the atrocities executed by several Rwandans. The genocide
started early April 1994 and ended mid-July 1994. Scenes of death were present throughout
the country with the death toll rising to almost one million lives. Paul took part in developing the movie Hotel Rwanda in 2004 and he also worked
with author Tom Zoellner in writing an autobiography entitled An Ordinary Man. I’ve just finished
reading the book and this is what I have to say.
The main focus of the book is about Paul
Rusesabagina himself and how he came to be in history. He talks about his
childhood, how he became the hotel manager of the Mills Collines, and what
happened during/after the genocide. His writing goes in chronological order with
some breaks that may deter from the story. Those breaks are used to explain a
certain situation that occurred in the story or some necessary side information.
For example, when he talked about his childhood he mentioned a drink known to
him as “banana beer.” He then writes another paragraph or two explaining what
it is and the cultural meaning to it. He does the same thing whenever he
mentions a specific person such as Georges Rutaganda or General Augustin
Bizimugu.
Another focus of the story is about the Rwandan
Genocide and how it came to be. He does make clear of how it came to be by the
players and ideals contributing to the execution of the genocide. He talks
about the efficiency of the propaganda spread by the RTLM radio station and the
organization of extremist militias including the Interhamwe. Another example is he brings about the history of how
Rwanda came to be, how the ethnic division was formed, and how oppositions
between both sides were born. Of course careful and extra research is needed to
confirm Rusesabagina’s statements. In my research and studies I believe most of
the statements presented but he does present opinions on certain situations.
Those opinions can be taken either way but the most obvious argument presented is
that what was happening during the genocide was horrible and could have been
prevented.
There were a couple themes presented in this novel
that seem to coincide with my ideals. The most prevalent theme was
individualism and taking a solo stand instead of the following the crowd. When
Paul talked of those participating in the genocide he couldn’t believe that
these people would just follow the crowd even if they were wrong. He truly
thought that people were crazy to not oppose those who thought otherwise. Another
theme was the power of words and how they can affect the outcome. He mentions
that they are simple but can be very powerful that can bring peace or harm to
others. He believed that the words of the ethnic division created the forefront
of the genocide. Those words were then used through propaganda to prepare for
starting the slaughters. Also most of his success was from the use of the right
words and how he presented them to his opponents/allies. Using social skills,
integrity, humility, and understanding he managed to get what was needed to
shelter the refugees.
As a whole the book was a great read. I found it
very clear, concise, and heartbreaking at the same time. Remember though that
this is an AUTOBIOGRAPHY not an account of the genocide as a whole. Although
the precursors to genocide are mentioned most of the writing is centered on him
and his efforts during that time. Also take into account that there are breaks
but they’re meant for explanatory purposes and not to drive away from the
story. I did get lost at one point but after rereading those passages I got
back on track and understood the point of that break. For those interested in
the genocide only I recommend doing research on Rwanda itself and finding different
written accounts aside from Paul Rusesabagina.
I give this book a rating of 4.0 to 4.5 out of 5
stars. I’m sure fans of world history, humanitarian acts, and foreign policy
would love this. I also hope that maybe this could be a start for those
interested to take a stand and do something similar to others. By this I mean
trying to take a stand on the right side and use it in defiance of those who
don’t think so.
